Need some .30/30 loading data.

[jpshaw]

I just sent for my 30/30 barrel on April 30 but am told that it might take until July with the back order on that caliber.  In the meantime I need to get some loads ready.  I have Re-15 on hand and can get 4064 and 3031 at the local gun shop and I am looking to load up some 130 and 150 grain loads in varying powder charges to test when it gets here.  cannon6 has already helped me out on some cast loads but these will be JSPs .  I have a box of Speer fpsp but also want to get some 125 or 130 grain loads worked up.  I look for accursacy before power.  2300 fps should be all I need in 150.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[woodchukhntr]

Accuracy before power?  That's un-American!  Everybody knows that you need the latest .450 Super-dooper Magnum to shoot even squirrels!  That way even a close miss will throw enough shrapnel and debris to guarantee a kill on anything.

I guess that if you are looking to actually hit what you are aiming at, then the .30-30 is a good choice!  Here's a good load from Chuck Hawk's reloading page (http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_cartridge_reloading_data.htm) :  150 grain Speer Flat-SP bullet, 33.0 grains of IMR 3031 powder, CCI 200 primer, Federal case. MV 2,364 fps in 24" barrel. (Based on the Hodgdon Data Manual No. 26.).  I've used 32.o gr. of 3031 for a very accurate load with the 150 gr. Hornady spire point.

[aldar]

Ive been shooting 34.6grs of 3031 behind a Speer 125grhp with real good results. If I remember right the best group was about 1 1/4" at 100yds using a fixed 4power scope. I dont know what the velocity is but I also look for a load that hits right where I'm aiming.

[bilmac]

32 gr 3031 with hornaday 130 gr spire pt

[coyotejoe]

Thirty grains of RL-7 with the 130 grain gives me about 2600 fps from my 26" barrel, that  is Alliant's listed max load. Reloader 15 is the optimum powder for the 150 grain bullets but I don't have that data at hand, check out the Alliant website.

[jpshaw]

Thanks for all the replies guys.  If canon6 doesn't chime in with some Re15 data I might have to buy that can of 3031.

[jlchucker]

29.5 Grains of 3031 over a 170 grain Remington Coreloct works.  Of course this load doesn't compare in energy and velocity with a whizbang short mag wielded by an avid reader of Shooting Times or Guns & Ammo, but it does the job.

[coyotejoe]

The Alliant data site shows RL-15 as follows.
150 gr. bullet, 36.0 grains RL-15, 2450fps, at 40,600psi
170 gr. bullet, 34.1 grains RL-15, 2330fps, at 40,500psi
Obviously those are MAXIMUM loads, you should start about three grains under and work up in small increments. Those are smokin' loads for the 30/30, the 150 grain is producing 2,000 ft.lb. energy and the 170 gives 2050 ft.lb.  I've found RL-15 to be about the optimum pressure/velocity rate for the 30/30 with 100% loading density and the short cylindrical granules measure very uniformly.

[jpshaw]

Coyote - Those may be a bit hot for me but I just found the sheet that came with my Lee 30/30 dies.  Using their formula of "charge in grains divided by never exceed charge in grains multiplied by the velocity of never exceed"  will give you a pretty close velocity.  33.7 gr of Re15 should give me about 2303 fps.  I will start with that and work up or down to see any accuracy changes.  Thanks to all who helped me on this thread.  Now I need to find a 125 or 130 grain bullet that will expand but not blow up at 30/30 velocities since I think I have my 150 grain Speer load.

[quickdtoo]

For comparison of loads, I get 2330fps with the Rem 150gr factory ammo in my Handi, accuracy is excellent at 100yds. 

Tim

[Big Blue]

I'm fond of Hodgdon's BL-C(2) for the 30-30. I use 37.0gr. of BL-C(2) with 150gr. bullets.
Don

[jpshaw]

If I can get anything like Quicks accuracy I will be one happy camper.  I'm still waiting for my barrel at the moment though.  I had heard they were back ordered but a call to NEF to varify that the receiver made it told me they were in stock and it wouldn't take that long.  I also added a .357 barrel to play with too.

[Tencubed]

For around seven bucks you can pick up one of those single calibre loading books.  The one I have for the 30-30 has a number of mild loads listed and may be just what you are looking for.  Lots of different powder and bullet manufacturers listed.

I'm hesitant about posting loads as it's so easy to misquote the books.  Good luck with your new barrel.

Mike

[rugerfan01]

I'm getting pretty good accuracy with H4895.
32.0 grains  with 150 sierra fp out of my handi = 2220fps.
I haven't done alot of experimenting but this is a promising load.
(Just in case you have some 4895 around).
good luck and keep us posted.
Morgan

[andrewtheelder38]

I have been shooting 150-grain winchester power points on top of 38.0 grains of H380 powder and find the accurate and reliable.